The EPA's New Rule Proposal Stops Short of a Complete Asbestos Ban

Each year, as many as 15,000 Americans pass away because of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma cancer. Over the past decade, this means that well over 100,000 lives have been lost.

Keeping these tragic statistics in mind is important when considering the latest news concerning the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) updated stance on asbestos.

On June 1, 2018, the EPA issued a "significant new use rule" (SNUR) proposing that the agency will now be enabled to prevent new uses of asbestos. On the surface, this SNUR proposal seems tremendous, as manufacturers and importers alike would now be required to have EPA approval before importing, processing or manufacturing asbestos.

However, giving the EPA authority to prohibit or limit the use of asbestos is a far cry from banning new uses of asbestos. As such, some critics strongly disagree with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s assertion that the action taken on asbestos is "unprecedented." Critics of the EPA’s intended direction argue that the EPA was actually given far more authority by Congress to ban toxic chemicals in a way that protects the public.

Asbestos Has Long Posed a Major Health Risk to the Public

And, to be clear, asbestos is a toxic chemical that poses a major risk to public safety. As a primary known cause of mesothelioma cancer, the history of asbestos use in the workplace and its subsequent harmful health effects are both known and well-documented.

As a naturally occurring mineral, asbestos is not a carcinogen in the same way that many other cancer-causing chemicals have been shown to be. Still, the mineral can and does cause cancer (making it carcinogenic as well) when its microscopic fibers are ingested or swallowed by individuals who are exposed to asbestos-containing materials and goods that have been disturbed.

Therefore, those who are displeased with the EPA’s asbestos stance — such as Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) President Linda Reinstein — argue that asbestos should have been banned entirely. According to Reinstein, the ADAO’s evidence has demonstrated that "no safe or controlled use" of asbestos currently exists.

In short, the EPA was given the power to completely ban asbestos by Congress, yet the agency has chosen not to do so. Stopping short of a complete ban could have a negative effect on the safety and health of the American public.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our team at The Ledger Law Firm is here to keep you informed of the latest policy changes affecting mesothelioma. Additionally, our national law firm has a proven track record of helping mesothelioma victims recover millions in compensation that holds negligent parties accountable for an asbestos exposure.

Contact us online for a free case evaluation to discuss the facts of your legal claim with a Ledger Law mesothelioma attorney.